Pope Francis has responded to complaints that he has largely ignored the clerical sex abuse scandal by assembling a panel of experts to advise the Holy See on protecting children from pedophiles and helping abuse victims heal.

Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley has announced that he plans to boycott Boston College commencement ceremonies over the fact that Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny would be receiving an honorary degree from the Catholic school.

President Barack Obama joined local religious leaders including Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Gov. Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino as he addressed an interfaith service in the aftermath of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings.